Workshop: Smoke & Salt–The Art of Preservation

Workshop Description

Long before refrigeration, smoke and salt were two of the most effective tools for preserving food. In this workshop, we’ll connect with the history of Barrington Price’s smokehouse, which once supplied fresh bacon and other smoked goods to the local community. You’ll learn how to create simple brines and dry cures, explore different smoking techniques, and discuss how these methods can be adapted for home use today. We’ll cover both hot and cold smoking, the nuances of fuel choice, and the art of balancing flavour and preservation. Whether you’re interested in making your own smoked salmon, flavour‑packed bacon, or even smoked vegetables and cheeses, this session will give you the foundational skills to start experimenting at home.

Additional Information

All workshops are led by Chris Mathieson, General Manager of the Grist Mill and Gardens Historic Site. Chris is an experienced heritage site interpreter, educator, and culinary leader with a passion for connecting people to history through hands‑on food experiences. These three‑hour sessions take place primarily outdoors—often under the shelter of our Summer Kitchen, in the historic Apple House, or elsewhere on the site—making use of our wood‑fired ovens, open‑fire pits, and other heritage‑inspired cooking equipment. Dress comfortably for the weather and be ready to roll up your sleeves.

Custom, private workshops can be arranged for groups, families, or special events—please inquire for details.

For these workshops, we’re offering a range of prices depending on your ability to pay. The more “Benefactor” tickets we sell, the more subsidized ones we can offer.

Series Description

For generations, the summer kitchen was the heart of domestic life during the hot months in the Similkameen Valley—a breezy, shaded space where meals were prepared, chores completed, and crafts undertaken in comfort. At the Grist Mill and Gardens, our own Summer Kitchen continues that tradition, hosting costumed volunteers baking treats, preserving food, or hand‑dipping candles, and occasionally transforming into a charming stage for our intimate summer concerts. This August, join us for a special series of three‑hour, hands‑on workshops celebrating the history, ingenuity, and community spirit of this space. Drawing on heritage cooking techniques, seasonal abundance, and the unique resources of our site, each session blends history with practical skills you can take home.